I have started a bunch of companies, mostly in services. The very best way to get into freelancing is to get work from your current employer. This assumes they

I have started a bunch of companies, mostly in services. The very best way to get into freelancing is to get work from your current employer. This assumes they like your work, they are not mad at you for leaving, etc. But often they are happy to pay you less (in total) to maintain things you have created for them. It works for you because you get your start in freelancing, often at a higher hourly wage. Just don't be fooled by that higher hourly wage. I left my first job out of school (we are talking 1983 here) to double my hourly rate from $12 to $24 as a contractor for CDC (old mainframe computer company). But the lag in cash flow was a killer. As a freelancer you have to invoice for your time and wait weeks to get paid. I cannot emphasize enough the need to sell. To get your first freelance job try calling a bunch of people. Heck, call me! I am looking for help on several sites. LAMP stack plus WordPress stuff. I would LOVE to have a reliable, responsive, developer working on my stuff.